Tampa Bay Lightning Season Preview: The Defensemen

The Tampa Bay Lightning defense should still be among the league's best

Apr 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser (90) and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) react after beating the Montreal Canadiens in overtime during game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to return to the ice in the coming weeks, looking to finally escape their cycle of first round playoff exits. Much of the Bolt's roster remains the same from the previous seasons. Longtime Bolts Victor Hedman, Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Brandon Hagel, and Brayden Point are just a few.

But we are going to take a look at the group led by Victor Hedman, the Lightning captain who missed the majority of lasty season due to sports anxiety. The group lost Darren Raddysh, but it is nothing to be worried about in Tampa.

J.J. Moser

Mar 24, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser (90) controls the puck against the Minnesota Wild in the first period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Moser enters the season as one of the Lightning's most important young defensemen. After showing flashes of being a reliable two-way player, Moser should have an opportunity to take another step forward with increased responsibility. His ability to move the puck and contribute offensively will be important, especially with Tampa Bay looking to replace some of the production lost from Darren Raddysh.

John Carlson

May 6, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson (74) warms up before the start of game two against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The biggest addition to Tampa Bay's blue line is veteran defenseman John Carlson. Carlson brings more than 1,000 games of NHL experience and has spent years playing in high-pressure situations with the Washington Capitals. At this stage of his career, Carlson does not need to be the player he was in his prime. If he can provide steady defense, puck movement and leadership, he could be exactly what the Lightning need alongside Moser.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Made the Right Choice in Signing John Carlson

Charle-Edouard D'Astous

May 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Dominic James (17) celebrates his goal with defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (51) against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

D'Astous is the biggest question mark among Tampa Bay's projected top-six defensemen. The 28-year-old burst onto the scene last year and earned a key role on Tampa's roster. His physicality and defensive game could give Tampa another option on the blue line, but consistency will be key. If D'Astous can mesh with Victor Hedman on the second line, his second NHL season could be a strong one.

Was just reminded about this post. Feels like there’s no time quite like the present to talk about Charle-Edouard D’Astous. Not bad for the guy’s first year in the NHL. I’m curious to see if he can improve any playing with Hedman next season rather than with his usual partner. https://t.co/4SZlSb6rXi pic.twitter.com/jACqSbE7KV

— J 🏂 (@JacksonB_99) August 14, 2026

Victor Hedman

Mar 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Lightning's captain is the biggest name on this blue line, and his return could have the greatest impact. Hedman missed the majority of last season while addressing his mental health, making his health and ability to return to his previous form one of the biggest storylines entering the season. Tampa does not necessarily need Hedman to be the Norris Trophy-caliber defenseman he once was. It needs its captain to provide stability, leadership and quality minutes at the top of the lineup.

Erik Cernak

Apr 13, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (81) reacts after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cernak is another long time member of the Bolts and he remains one of Tampa Bay's most important defensive-minded players. His physical presence and ability to handle difficult defensive assignments make him a strong defensive option on the third line, holding opposing offenses off the board. Cernak dealt with injury last season, and Tampa could use a full season out of their savvy-veteran.

Ryan McDonagh

Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While he is no longer the same player who helped Tampa win multiple Stanley Cups, his experience and defensive awareness remain valuable. He should provide Tampa with dependable minutes while also serving as another veteran voice for a group that will rely heavily on its leadership.

Tampa's defensive unit is on the older side, but that does not mean it is a weak group. The top of the defensive unit provides Tampa both scoring and strong defense while the bottom of the list provides reliable veteran leadership and stability.

If the J.J Moser and Charle-Edouard, D'Astous can take another leap, Tampa's defensive unit will once again rank among the NHL's best. Beyond that they added John Carlson who will look to replicate Darren Raddysh's strong season next to Nikita Kucherov. More than any acquisition or leap, it will be essential for Victor Hedman to come back strong for the Bolts.